Operation Safe Lot

Police News

On July 22, 2015, at 11:50pm, Patrol Officers from the Hartford Police Department responded to 2370 Main Street (La Soberana) grocery store on a report of a store clerk pointing a firearm at a customer. Upon arrival, officers were met with an uncooperative male store clerk, who initially refused to allow officers in the store. During the investigation, officers found a silver 380 caliber gun, containing three rounds, in the store clerk's right front pocket.The victim stated to Police, she was in the store making a purchase when the store clerk pulled a small gray gun out, chambered a round, and pointed it at her. The store clerk, who initially gave officers the alias name of Wilkin Rivas-Trinidad, was later identified as Luisito Rivas, 36, of Hartford, C.T. The investigation revealed pills and 2 small clear zip lock bags containing white powdery substance which tested positive as cocaine. Rivas was arrested and transported to the Hartford Police Booking facility where he was charged accordingly.

On July 21, 2015, at 11:30 am, CT Probation Officers working with the Hartford Police Department Shooting Task Force located two firearms at 1 New Britain Avenue, the residence of Gilberto Mendez, while conducting a home compliance check. Due the the efforts of CT Probation Officers, Shooting Task Force Detectives responded to the location and were able to determine through the Hartford Police NCIC check, that one of the two firearms located was stolen. Further investigation uncovered 29 rounds of .40 caliber ammunition, 12 WIN .38 caliber Super Auto +P rounds of ammunition, a Point Blank bullet proof vest and illegal prescription drugs. Mendez was placed under arrest and transported to the Hartford Police Booking facility to be processed and was held on a $250,000 bond.

On July 21, 2015, at 8:28am, after a 911 call, a Hartford Police Department Traffic Division Officer was traveling north on Franklin Avenue when he was flagged down by an employee of Barranquitas Bakery. Further investigation determined that the accused entered the bakery and attempted to steal a large tip jar filled with cash from the counter. Employees of the bakery confronted the accused and a physical altercation ensued. Based on witness statements, the accused made a motion as if he was removing a weapon from his waistband. One of the employees, who is licensed to carry a firearm, feared that the accused had a weapon, removed his firearm and discharged one round striking the accused in the leg. Witness statements were taken at HPD by the Major Crimes Division. The accused was transported to Hartford Hospital where he was treated and released. Upon release from the hospital, the accused was taken to HPD and charged. The investigation is ongoing.